Corn Plant [Dracaena fragrans "Massangeana"]
Dracaena "Warneckei" [Dracaena deremensis "Warnecki"]
Dragon Tree [Dracaena marginata ]
Each of these plants was proven by NASA, to be good at removing indoor air pollutants. These plants are highly valued by interiorscapers for their durability, and tolerance of indoor growing conditions. Their slow-medium growth rate also makes them suitable for indoor gardening.
Culture
Grow Dracaenas in medium light (that found to side of south window is ideal). Keep them in average temperatures--if you're comfortable, your plant should be too. Don't let them be exposed to cold drafts. Keep their soil always moist--not soggy.
Problems
The main problem with all Dracaenas is leaf tips turning brown. This is due to three causes: hot, dry air, dry soil, and fluoride in the water. Use rainwater or distilled water if possible to prevent the leaf tip burning problem. Another problem, bottom leaves turning yellow, is generally due to too low of light levels.
Plant Descriptions
The Corn Plant, Dracaena fragrans is popular because it can survive in low light. It has long sword-like leaves which grow from a "trunk". Be sure to purchase a plant with the trunk as high as you want the plant to grow because the trunk itself does not continue to grow under the conditions found inside your home or office.
The next species, Dracaena deremensis warneckii is sometimes called the striped Dracaena or the Warneckii Dracaena. It is has leaves marked with narrow white stripes near their margin. Interiorscapers often prefer this variety because the stripes add interest to a planting. It too comes from Africa.
My favorite, Dracaena marginata, or Red-margin Dracaena is also called the Madagascar Dragon Tree. It has 1-2 feet long narrow, strap-like leaves along a cane-like trunk. The trunk can be bent to add "interest". Due to this fact, interiorscapers often call this a "character plant." The leaves are dark green with a thin deep red stripe along the margin. Unfortunately, if the plant is kept in too low of light levels, the red stripes disappear. Another variety, Dracaena marginata tricolor has leaves with red and creamy white or yellow stripes along the leaf margins. The center of the leaf is green. This plant's cane-like-trunk develops as the plant loses its lower leaves (natural). This plant originated in Madagascar, hence the popular name "Madagascar Dragon Tree."
Although not included in the list of Dracaenas recognized for their air purifying qualities, Dracaena Janet Craig should not be overlooked. Dracaena deremensis "Janet Craig" is a beautiful tree-like plant with long green, arching, sword-like leaves. The trunk becomes cane-like as older leaves drop off. This plant originates in Africa. It may grow up to five feet tall. There is also a compact form of Janet Craig which would make a good desktop plant.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Diana Pederson's Gardening Techniques topic, please visit the Discussions page.